Expenditures for State-Federal Relations
Lobbying
State agencies may not use appropriated money to hire lobbyists or to influence elections or legislation.
Sources [+]
Texas Government Code, Sections 556.001, 556.002(a); Opinion of the Texas Attorney General NO. JC-161 (1999).
Prohibition on Hiring Lobbyists
A state agency may not use appropriated money, or any money under its control, to hire a lobbyist as a regular full-time, part-time or contract employee.
A state agency that violates this prohibition is subject to a reduction of its appropriations under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) up to $100,000 for each violation.
Sources [+]
Texas Government Code, Section 556.005(a) and (c).
Membership Dues to Organizations That Pay Salaries of Lobbyists
A state agency may not use appropriated money to pay membership dues to an organization that pays part or all of a lobbyist’s salary.
Note: This restriction does not apply to the payment of dues to organizations that represent student interests before the Legislature or Congress, or to State Bar membership fees.
Sources [+]
Texas Government Code, Sections 556.002(b), 556.005(b).
Influencing Elections or Achieving Political Purposes
A state agency may not use money under its control to finance or support the candidacy of a person for an office in the legislative, executive or judicial branch of state government or of the government of the United States. This prohibition extends to the direct or indirect employment of a person to perform such actions and the use of a state-owned or state-leased motor vehicle for these purposes.
Note: A mandatory student service fee may not be used to influence the outcome of an election.
Sources [+]
Texas Government Code, Sections 556.002(b), 556.003, 556.004, 556.007. Opinion of the Texas Attorney General No. JM-597 (1986), MW-323 (1981).
Influencing Legislation
A state agency may not use appropriated money to attempt to influence the passage or defeat of a legislative measure. This prohibition does not apply to a state officer or employee who uses state resources to provide public information or information in response to a request.
Sources [+]
Texas Government Code, Sections 556.006-556.007. Opinion of the Texas Attorney General NO. M-828 (1971). Graves & Houtchens v. Diamond Hill Independent School Dist., 243 S.W. 638, 639 (Tex. Civ. App.—Fort Worth 1922, no writ).
See also: Membership Fees Paid to a Chamber of Commerce, Membership Fees Paid to Professional Organizations, and Membership Fees Paid to Non-Professional Organizations.
Sources [+]
Texas Government Code, Sections 556.001, 556.002(a); Opinion of the Texas Attorney General NO. JC-161 (1999).